CLEVELAND COUNTY, Okla. — A rural Oklahoma community is reeling after a six-year-old boy was mauled to death by dogs outside his home on Sunday evening.
According to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), the child was attacked shortly after stepping outside his family’s residence. Deputies said the boy was discovered unresponsive by his father, who immediately called for emergency assistance. Despite efforts, the child did not survive the attack.
“It’s just very tragic,” said Nikki Maynard, the boy’s cousin. “The dad walked out, he saw the dog run, then saw, unfortunately, his son on the ground, unresponsive.”
The family reportedly owned five outdoor dogs. Two of the animals—a Great Pyrenees and a German Shepherd—appeared to have blood on them when authorities arrived at the scene. However, investigators have not confirmed which dogs were responsible for the fatal injuries.
“It appears that one of the animals, at least, attacked him as soon as he exited the residence,” said CCSO spokesperson John Szymanski. “We’re not even sure which dogs did it. I mean, some of the dogs could have been trying to protect the child.”
The sheriff’s office reported that the child sustained extensive injuries across his body, including his face, neck, chest, back, and legs.
“This is one of the worst things I’ve ever seen,” Szymanski added.
The incident has raised broader concerns about animal dumping in rural areas. The family stated that stray and potentially dangerous animals are frequently abandoned along their road, leading to uncertainty about the origins and behavior of some of the dogs on the property.
“Everybody in that area will tell you that there are so many issues with dumping of cats, dogs, vicious dogs,” Maynard said.
Although CCSO said they have not received official reports of animal dumping in the area recently, Szymanski acknowledged it is not uncommon in more remote parts of the county.
The boy’s death has deeply affected both his family and the deputies who responded to the scene.
Maynard said the child’s loss is a wound the family will carry forever.
As of now, animal welfare authorities have taken custody of all the dogs involved, and the investigation remains ongoing.
